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Pendulum Over The Pacific

Pendulum Over The Pacific

Item Description

In the 1980s, Japan is a surging economic power, racking up trade surpluses with the U.S. and generating hostility among Washington politicians. Pressure mounts on the President to initiate any plan to reduce the deficit with Japan.

Morgan Atwood has nothing to do with Washington. Frustrated in his job and seeing no future, Morgan jumpstarts his life by packing up and moving to Japan for a fresh start in familiar surroundings. Once a student in Tokyo, he returns to the university where he studied to help foreign students adapt to a new country and language, something he has experienced.

A chance meeting with a former professor leads to Morgan’s introduction to Rob Harwell, the President’s nephew. Morgan’s actions help Harwell avoid public embarrassment, but gives Morgan an opportunity to skim private papers hinting at actions to force Japan into massive spending that could cut the US trade deficit with Japan. Morgan’s curiosity raised, he contacts an old friend in Washington, sharing the tidbit of information.

Morgan’s inquiries raise alarms. The Washington group enlists help to find out the source of the “leak”, but needs to remain anonymous. Morgan’s new friend and colleague, Fumiko Nakajima, who teaches at the university and has excellent English language skills, provides a sympathetic ear and tries to help Morgan fill in the unknown. When Fumiko uses her connections, the Washington group’s concerns rise as they perceive Morgan’s circle of friends as a threat to their plans.